Below by Michael Newton (Wolfpack Publishing)

When I craved some light reading on Sunday evening, the description of Bellow’s novel held immense promise. It whisks you away on a thrilling adventure, reminiscent of a captivating film until it unexpectedly immerses the reader in chilling and ghastly imagery. Hence, cautionary words of what one wishes for!

The story revolves around six university students, all members of the Reno Paranormal group. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, they embark on a treacherous investigation into an alleged haunted silver mine nestled in the heart of eastern Nevada. Their mission? To comprehend the perplexing occurrences of deaths and disappearances that have plagued the vicinity for a harrowing eight decades. Yet, none of them are prepared for the abhorrent secret lurking in the depths of the Silver Princess. As they fight for their lives, desperately clawing toward the promise of daylight and freedom, the ultimate question looms: who will emerge victorious and become yet another lost soul trapped within the mine's formidable grasp?

Amongst the multitude of tales, it was the narrative of Lucy that profoundly affected me. Consequently, I found myself fixated on the author's underlying premise that human beings possess an innate resilience, adapting to any circumstance and being willing to acquiesce to drastic measures for the sake of survival. This concept suggests a dormant beast resides within us all, awakened only in exceptional scenarios. A repulsive revelation, indeed!

With that being said, the book remains a captivating amalgamation of action and suspense, accompanied by a hauntingly dismal and claustrophobic ambiance. The characters are skillfully depicted, enabling readers to forge a deep connection with them. It is a tale that delves into the themes of valor and camaraderie, while simultaneously exploring the sinister side of humanity and the chilling depths one can descend to in the absence of moral boundaries.

Should you harbor no reservations regarding indulging in horror literature that proffers insights into gender roles, cannibalism, and the like, then I implore you to embark on this unnerving journey. However, be mentally prepared, for your thoughts will incessantly wander back to the unsettling passages you peruse. Indeed, the entire experience is unnerving due to the underlying notion that, in some twisted sense, it could very well be conceivable.

So proceed at your own risk, and immerse yourself in the pages!

2/5 (Rating 2 only because apparently I don't tolerate horror genre well.)